Hartlepool Borough Council, in partnership with the Hartlepool Board, has launched a new Business Improvement Capital Grant Scheme.
It will support the revitalisation and visual enhancement of key high street areas within the borough.
The scheme will offer grants of up to £20,000 to eligible businesses located on York Road and Raby Road, with applicants required to provide a minimum 25% match funding contribution. The programme is designed to support improvements that enhance the appearance, quality and overall vibrancy of these important retail corridors.
Local businesses – such as independent retailers, hospitality venues, and social enterprises – play a vital role in Hartlepool’s communities. They provide essential goods and services, attract footfall and contribute to community identity, pride and economic growth. The grant scheme aims to strengthen this contribution by supporting visible and lasting improvements to the high street environment.
Funding can be used for a range of capital works such as:
- New or improved shopfronts
- Signage
- Reinstatement of traditional building features
- Security shutters
- External cosmetic enhancements to business premises
The grant scheme is being funded by the Pride in Place Impact Fund, part of the Government’s wider Pride in Place Strategy. It will be administrated by Hartlepool Borough Council.
Applications will be assessed monthly on a competitive basis. The scheme will open for submissions on 1 April 2026, and full guidance is available on the Hartlepool Borough Council and Invest in Hartlepool websites.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “This scheme sends a clear message: we are backing Hartlepool’s businesses and investing in the long‑term future of our high streets. Alongside the investment in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, this grant programme will help local traders enhance their premises and strengthen the character of York Road and Raby Road.
Together, these investments will create attractive, welcoming and confident places that reflect the ambitions we have for Hartlepool. And this is just the start - we hope it will pave the way for even more investment and support for our local businesses through the Pride in Place programme.”
Haani Hasnain and Councillor Pamela Hargreaves
The investment supports the wider work of the Hartlepool Board, which is overseeing a long-term Pride in Place programme which will invest £20 million over the next ten years. The Board comprises residents, businesses, community organisations, strategic partners and others with a strong connection to the borough. More than 1,400 residents took part in the community engagement last summer to help shape the programme and identify the priorities most important to local communities.
Haani Hasnain, Vice Chair of the Hartlepool Board, said: “This grant programme is a huge boost for businesses on York Road and Raby Road. Improving the appearance of our high streets will help attract customers, support growth and give traders renewed confidence. It’s really positive to see investment that will make a visible difference to businesses and the wider community.”
For more information and to make an enquiry, visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/businessimprovementgrants